Thursday, April 21, 2011

April in Paris: Part 1

I've returned from my long weekend in Paris. April in Paris with sunny and 70 degree weather was pure bliss! We had an AMAZING time in the City of Lights (in my previous post I intentionally referred to Paris as the city of romance...as everyone calls it such a romantic city, there's so much to fall in love with and since I was with my husband, I was so happy to be sharing the experience with the man I love so much!)

The Musee d'Orsay houses world class art. It's an amazing place. I took notice to just about all of the artwork being in gold frames and hung on black walls. So striking.

Standing across the street from the Musee d'Orsay, you look at the Seine and on the opposite side you see the Louvre. We enjoyed some runs along the Seine...so nice!

Walking through the 6 and 7th arrondissements I was in awe over the architecture, the doors and the door knobs. Do you have a favorite?

All the cars seem to be small in Paris, and when I saw this man driving his car into the courtyard I understood one reason why. Many of these doors open to either a courtyard leading to several apartments or as a path to drive/park one's car before entering an apartment.

Dinner the first night was truly a treat, as we went to the fabulous Le Pre Catelan. With each bite I took of Frederic Anton's culinary creations, I felt like royalty!

Tomorrow's post is about the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and a few other goodies!

I love Paris, and it's just as you describe. Every where one looks one sees beauty. And, the door knobs...isn't it amazing that at one point these pieces of beautiful hardware were just "normal?" La Pre Catelan. My husband's favorite. They gave me a little pan from the kitchen as a remembrance because my husband so loved their food, and explained to them that in Houston no one could prepare dishes they way they do. Funny. I am so happy to hear what a lovely time you & hubby shared. It's these moments we remember the rest of our lives. xx's

Oh most definitely, I can not wait to go for my birthday in June. I love it that you paid such an interest in the doors and the handles. I think its fab how two people might share a similar experience but take away such different things (for me it was croissants LOL). Can't wait to hear more.*kisses* HH

All these pictures are bringing back so many memories for me and I'm overdue for a visit to my favorite city in the world. The last time I was there was to attend Maison & Objet and didn't have much time to sightsee and dine... Can't wait to see you soon and catch up!xxoo

Your pictures are so making me long to go back. Love it! The pictures are gorgeous and I can almost feel that warm Parisian air blowing on my face..it must have been incredible! Sounds (and looks) like you had a truly memorable trip.

I went as a college student and have to laugh at a group of us girls going into a salon and wanting to leave feeling like we had "French" haircuts. I also immediately think of the best hot chocolate ever on St. Germain. I've been back a host of other times on business but rarely saw the outside of the hotel or the office. Want to go back as a tourist....sounds like you had an incredible time! Cannot wait to hear and see more from your trip!

Definitely equally smitten. I love Paris. You are definitely enjoying some ofIt's best features. April is such a great time to be there. The laughter from dinner parties overheard while walking in the streets is my favorite experience from the spring I was there! Leave your windows open to enjoy the sounds!

lovely photos of a magnificent experience. i also adore paris. and the musee d'orsay is indeed one of the best things for me. as for the doorknobs, i also found myself snapping photos of them in france. i love the lion's head, it reminds me of the one at the hotel de ville in aix-en-provence.

I love your photos of all the doors and door knockers...I've been to Paris many times and love it more every time I go. It's much more of a trek from the West coast though. Can't wait to see your next posts...can never get too much Paris! What about a post on what you brought home??

WOW! Lisa your photos are outstanding, it was almost like I was there with you, loved both posts, looks like the best time, I need to return to Paris as an "adult" and see it right! You have inspired me!xx

Such a fabulous city and you've captured some of the little things that make it is so special! I am in love with all of the doors in the 6th and 7th! For some reason, I really drawn to all the shades of blue!!!

So glad you had such a wonderful time! We have had a wave of good weather in Europe so you lucked out! I loved your door pictures since I also love to photograph those - you can see some of mine from our travels so far here: http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/doorways.html My favorite of yours was the reddish one with the lacy type detailing - haven't seen anything like that before. They are all beautiful though - great photography!

My husband took me to Paris for our anniversary and I am remembering all the things I loved looking through your posts! Our favorite was a picnic lunch at les jardins de Tuillerie. I've never walked so far and so long in any other city - we just loved it!

Well, sorry for my delay in responding to your amazing Paris rendez vous! We left for Georgia the day I thought you might post. I checked before we hopped in the car. I thought several times about what wonderful things you did see. Wonder no more! I read your 3 posts in backwards order and I am loving everything you took in. I went about a decade ago and some of these pictures are straight out of my album too! I don't have the collection of doors and knockers though, those are KNOCK OUTS! I am loving the Ralph Lauren blue doors, that shade is amazing. How did everything go with the kids? Well, I know it's late, but welcome back and I'm just smiling ear to ear for you :D XO, Kelly